Toddlers Beat Dads in Produce Consumption

Uh oh, Daddy's in the doghouse. All those years he's been telling you to eat your veggies while his own plate remained skimpy on the greens. In fact, a new survey in Britain revealed that produce consumption among toddlers is far better than among average men.

According to the Daily Mail, a recent survey revealed that British toddlers eat an average of 12 different types of vegetables and fruits weekly. Men managed about six types weekly, and only consumed 1.2 portions of produce daily.

The survey also uncovered some interesting tidbits — like nearly half of women surveyed admitting that they use stealth to sneak more fruits and veggies into their partner's diet. Common tactics involved covering veggies with cheese or cream, hiding them in soups or sauces, and lying about contents of meals.

Male survey respondents also noted their least favorite vegetables. Leading the pack were cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. These tend to be bitter unless they're cooked just right.

You may be thinking, So what? That is Britain, and this is America. Well, the lagging produce consumption is similar over here. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that only about 20 percent of American men and 30 percent of women eat three or more servings of veggies daily.

Even worse, a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that kids in this country are consuming a large portion of their daily fruits and veggies in the form of calorie-dense juices and French fries. Only about 8 percent of vegetables were dark green or orange (characteristic of some of the most nutrient-rich produce).

The bottom line is obvious: We need to eat more fruits and veggies. They are critical to our health, aiding in everything from warding off disease to fighting cancer to managing weight. By incorporating a wide variety of produce into the family's diet, parents can prime their kids for a lifetime of healthy eating.

My dad definitely didn't fit into the "meager consumer" category of the British men in this survey. During my growing up years, we had a big garden, two berry patches, and a fruit orchard. Come autumn, we were awash in fresh vegetables and luscious fruit. I can still taste the grassy green beans, piquant peppers, sweet and tart berries, and the crisp, mellow apples. We'd gorge ourselves on dark cherries and crunchy little carrots. We'd have entire dinners of tomatoes so plump that the juice ran down our fingers, and peas so sweet we didn't need dessert.

Perhaps, that's why I've been vegetarian for the past 20 years. There are few things better than a load of fresh produce, straight from the garden. Sure, not everyone can grow a garden, but have you seen the produce section in most stores? It's a wonderland of color and texture, just waiting to be explored.

Does your family eat fruits and veggies? What are some favorite dishes? Share comments below.

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Nicole Stevens

Nicole Stevens is a 30-something mom of four adorable kids. Her passions include spending time with her babies and doing research in the laboratory. She also enjoys crafts, photography, crochet, reading, and long walks. Her work has appeared elsewhere on WhattoExpect.com.

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